15 Subtle Signs You Must Visit the Dentist

Updated on October 20, 2020

When was the last time you visited a dental office for a regular check-up? It’s no secret that any people dread visiting the dentist – it can be uncomfortable, painful, and expensive. But regular cleanings can prevent minor issues from spiraling into major oral health problems. Preventative care is the best way to avoid seeing the dentist more often than you’d like. To determine if it’s time to visit a hygienist, be on the watch for these subtle signs from Wilton Dentists

  1. It’s painful to chew. Eating should be enjoyable, but with cracked or infected teeth, it becomes an arduous chore. Problems like these can lead to further tooth decay if left untreated, so it’s best to see a dentist ASAP. And be sure to get yourself treated at Lombard Dental Studio for the best services.
  1. You get frequent migraines. Is your head always aching? It might be more to do with your oral health than your rowdy family or stressful job. Migraines can be a sign of teeth grinding, also called bruxism. The stress on your joints from grinding your teeth often results in migraines. A dentist can examine your mouth to determine if you need a mouth guard.
  1. Your breath is unpleasant. Do you have bad breath, the kind that persists even when you brush your teeth? The owner of Bonasso & Kime says, “Breath is an indicator of other oral health issues. When your mouth is dry or infected, an unpleasant smell arises. It can point to acid reflux, diabetes, or even cancer. A dentist will have the expertise to diagnose the cause of bad breath.”
  1. You always feel fatigued. Tiredness can be a symptom of more than a poor sleep – it can indicate sleep apnea, a condition that causes interruptions in breathing. This syndrome has life-threatening consequences if left untreated; it can lead to heart attacks. A dentist will be able to look at your teeth and see if they have been clenched at night, which happens when your airway is blocked.
  1. Bleeding or inflamed gums. If you notice red in the sink following a brush or floss, it’s time to see the dentist. Puffy gums are usually caused by gingivitis. This problem is best remedied by early treatment – left ignored, it can lead to gum disease. 
  1. Your saliva is thicker. Have there been recent changes in the consistency of your saliva? Without enough moisture, our mouths can become hot spots for bacteria that cause cavities. Visit your dentist to find the root cause of your problem.
  1. Aching teeth. This common problem plagues many, but few take action soon enough. When you experience a toothache, don’t just take painkillers – those will only enable you to ignore the problem and let it fester. Whether your wisdom teeth are growing in or you’ve got a cavity, a toothache is an important sign that it’s time to see a dentist.
  1. There are pimples on your gum line. Pus-filled bumps can be an indication of infection. Pimples or nodules are often symptoms of illnesses. If you spot one of these, let your dentist take care of it – popping it could worsen the infection. 
  1. Extremely sensitive teeth. There’s only so much that specialty toothpaste can do for sensitive teeth. If you wince in pain whenever you consume hot or cold foods, it might mean that the tooth’s root is exposed, the enamel is decaying, or a filling has come loose. 
  1. Your gums are receding. Excessive gum recession points to serious tooth problems. It may mean that you are in the advanced stages of gum disease. There are links between heart conditions and periodontal disease, so treat this issue as early as possible to save both your oral and overall health. 
  1. It’s been a while since your last check-up. Many people avoid dental visits because of their anxiety – if you feel this way, you’re not alone. But to prevent painful problems, regular appointments are key. It sets a good example for kids, too; to prepare them for success, take your child to the dentist.
  1. Your formerly sore tooth has gone numb. Don’t mistake the absence of pain as a sign that things are getting better – it means that they may have gotten much worse. When the nerves of your teeth die, they no longer register pain. Numbness means that the underlying problem has potentially killed the root of your tooth. 
  1. Your jaw is sore. Clenching and grinding your teeth puts pressure on your temporomandibular joints. It also wears away tooth enamel. You may also notice ringing or pain in your ears.
  1. Smiling makes you uncomfortable. Do you shy away from flashing a wide smile? There are many cosmetic options that your dentist can explore with you to restore whiteness and uniform shape to your teeth.
  1. Discolouration. When plaque accumulates on your teeth, it hardens into tartar, which yellows teeth and cannot be removed by brushing alone. To remove this built-up deposit, a dental hygienist will use a specialized tool to scrape it off.
+ posts

Throughout the year, our writers feature fresh, in-depth, and relevant information for our audience of 40,000+ healthcare leaders and professionals. As a healthcare business publication, we cover and cherish our relationship with the entire health care industry including administrators, nurses, physicians, physical therapists, pharmacists, and more. We cover a broad spectrum from hospitals to medical offices to outpatient services to eye surgery centers to university settings. We focus on rehabilitation, nursing homes, home care, hospice as well as men’s health, women’s heath, and pediatrics.